Shubman Gill not ruled out yet as Indian coach provides massive update ahead of IND vs SA 2025 2nd Test

Team India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has provided an update on Shubman Gill's injury as the hosts prepare to level the series in the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati. He asserted that Gill is still in the fray to play as he is recovering well.

The Indian captain experienced a neck injury after batting only three balls in the first innings of the opening Test at Eden Gardens. Gill was later admitted to a private hospital and didn't return to bat in the second innings either, as India lost by 30 runs in pursuit of 124. The 26-year-old batter was discharged following Day 3's play.

Speaking at the presser on Thursday, the 53-year-old Kotak said Gill's absence during their run-chase on a tricky surface made a significant difference. He said:

"He is definitely recovering well — I met him yesterday. Decision will be taken tomorrow evening. Physio and doctors will take a call. Even if he is recovered, he shouldn’t get the spasm again during play. That is important. Last game nobody discussed this — if Shubman could have batted both innings, the 30 runs may not have mattered. If he had batted first innings and had one partnership, with a 100-run lead, we would’ve been fine. That’s not an excuse — that’s reality. Two innings he couldn’t bat."

Should the Punjab-born cricketer not recover in time for Saturday's game, Rishabh Pant will lead India.

"We have good replacements" - Sitanshu Kotak on Shubman Gill's potential absence

Sitanshu Kotak further stated that Shubman Gill's absence as both captain and player will be a mighty blow to them, adding:

"If he is fully recovered and very likely won’t get the issue again, he will play. If there’s doubt, he’ll rest one more game. Any team would miss a player like Shubman and a captain, but we have good replacements — maybe the guy coming in will score a hundred."

Since Gill's appointment as Test captain, India beat the West Indies at home, while the series in England resulted in a 2-2 draw.